Does anyone know what the new rules are for flying as a diabetic? We are going to be taking a trip in March and I KNOW I can't just hop on a plane with my supplies!!LOL

This link discusses flying with diabetes:
http://diabetes.about.com/library/weekly/blTSAflying502.htm

This link is to a doc issued by Transportation Security Administration. It has a section about traveling with diabetic supplies:
http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_12_18_2003.pdf

If you still have questions you can call the U.S. Department of Transportation disability hotline. They should be able to answer questions about rights of travelers with medical needs. Here is the number: 1-800-778-4838

Mindy,
Yes you can, in fact, "just hop on a plane with your supplies." You need a letter from your doctor stating that you have diabetes and will need to carry (list which) supplies with you AND it's easier if your supplies are in their original cartons with prescription labels, although that's not possible for everything. I've flown four times last year and had only one minor problem, and that was due to a stupid idiot at the check-in gate in Ft. Lauderdale who didn't want me to take my meter out of it's clip (they're trained to know that a diabetic person shouldn't have to disconnect their meter). The clip I use has a metal pin in it, and I tried to explain that I could hand-carry the meter with me and put the clip with my purse because it would set off the alarm, but he made such a big stink of me not disconnecting (which I wasn't , but he didn't understand), that I kept the clip on which, of course, set off the alarms, and I had to be hand-searched. Idiot, idiot, idiot! Had no problems in Boston, San Francsco, or Los Angeles.

Pack all your supplies in your carry-on suitcase, as you can't chance being separated from them. If someone questions you, simply tell them you're diabetic.

So, where are you going? Hope it's for a fun vacation!

Ruth

Thanks so much to both of you!! We are planning to go to Montana. DH may take a job there and I have an Aunt living there. We are excited as we both grew up here and have lived in the same house for almost 6 years. The idea of a move is exciting to me... Or at least it will be until we pack!!LOL

This will be the first time I have flown since 9/11 so I knew there would be changes. Thanks for the info

Hi Mindy,

I have no advice for you. I've never been on a plane :). I just wanted to tell you to have a great trip. How is your son doing? I hope he's doing better. I'm talking about your youngest one--you said that he was having some problems.

Sharon :)

Thanks for asking Sharon ;) We are going through an appeal process with insurance as they denied his therapy. We have to estabilsh medical necessity. Luckily, he had an MRI done last week and will be having a barium swallow done the first part of March. This all means that we may be able to establish the medical reasons for his therapy. He runs around here looking at us like he can't understant the fuss. The cute little thing has no idea!!!LOL

I've flown a dozen times since 9/11 with no real problems. I havent flown since I've had my pump, so we'll see how that goes. I would pack enough of you syringes and insulyn and lancets with you to get you through any "situations", but if your taking excessive amounts, pack extra in your checked bags. Less hassle.

Hi Mindy,

I hope the test does provide you with some evidence for medical necessity. Insurance companies (not my favorite people in the world :)) must use that term on everyone. They seem to use it even when it's obvious to everyone else that the treatment is "medically necessary." Poor little guy. I'll be praying for you and your family that everything works out.

Love, Sharon :)

Thanks so much Sharon. Wouldn't it be great if healthcare was so cheap that we didn't need insurance companies?!?!LOL the MRI came back normal which we are happy. Thanks for thinking of us and praying. It means a lot :angel:

Mindy,
I must have missed something...didn't know your son was sick, or having some kind of problem. My thoughts are with you, and I hope things work out for all of you.

Ruth